Use of 4.5 Non-locking Plate As an Alternative Device in Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy for Treating Varus Deformity

High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) is an approved surgical technique for varus knee deformity. For open wedge HTO multiple fixation methods and devices have been used. Advantages and disadvantages of these methods and devices are reported in various studies. Few studies have been conducted on use and final outcome of correction of varus knee deformity by implementation of non locking plates and benefits of this method is not fully evaluated.

To assess clinical and radiographic features of non-locking 4.5 millimeter L-buttress plate and T-buttress plate, which is used in open wedge High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO), and to find out whether this device is efficient enough or not.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 39 patients with tibial deformity recruited from a referral orthopedic hospital in Iran. Patients’ information, including their baseline characteristics, Range of Motion (ROM) of the knee, comorbidities, time of weight-bearing, union time in x-ray, graft type, and time of follow-up were reported at two stages: before and after the operation. Radiographic images were taken from their legs in both stages. Although different surgeons operated on the cases, they all used the same method. After the surgery, they were checked up in 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks and a second alignment view was taken from the patients.

Thirty-nine patients underwent surgery for the correction of genu varus deformity and the follow-up time was between 6-48 months. There was no case of non-union and the ROM was perfectly restored in all the patients.

Although the rate of the success in the use of the locking plate in HTO is higher, the use of a 4.5-mm non-locking plate seems to have decent results, too; therefore, it could be used as an alternative yet functional fixation tool in HTO.